After two in a half years and over two hundred shows, Shinedown’s Revolutions Live Tour featuring Papa Roach and Spiritbox finally came to an end this Friday night, here in the one and only Denver, CO, at the Ball Arena, formerly known as the Pepsi Center. The last leg of their tour dated between Sep 3rd-Oct 20th, 2023, and made its loop around the entire United States hitting twenty-five in total.
Talking to fans, it’s arguable that Friday’s show could easily win show of the year. All night the energy was carried from one band to the next as the night went on. The concert was nothing short of a good old classic Rock reunion, definitely a top performance. From the moment the first band Spiritbox came on, I knew we were in for a night of great music and electrifying energy. Sadly, we arrived right as they were jumping on stage and weren’t able to secure any shots. Nonetheless, I assure you Spiritbox is not a band to sleep on. With beautiful vocals from the lead singer Courtney LaPlante played over some soul-crushing heavy metal music performed by her husband Michael Stringer on guitar along with band mates Josh Gilbert on bass and Zen Rose on the drums. The group hit #1 on both the U.S. and Canadian Rock Billboard charts. Check out their 2020 runaway success single, “Holy Roller” down below.
As we marched back to the front of the stage the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, and for good reason…
Papa Roach, the iconic rock band known for their electrifying performances and hard-hitting anthems, was about to take the stage. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and yet again it was clear that this night was going to be one for the books. Papa Roach didn’t just stick to their hits. As the night went on they treated the audience to some of their newer material, which was cool to see as it’s clear that their creativity and passion for music has not altered over the years. For me, one of the highlights of the night and a truly unforgettable moment that showcased the band’s ability to connect with their fans on a deep, emotional level was when they played “Scars.” The emotional intensity of this song, combined with Shaddix’s captivating stage presence, blew me away. In the early 2000s I found myself listening to this song on repeat, and to finally hear it performed live alongside thousands of others singing along was just simply badass. Now that some heartstrings were pulled, it was time to back the vibe of the night with some heavier tracks. Papa Roach’s performance starring Jacoby Shaddix (vocals), Jerry Horton (guitar), Tobin Esperance (bass), and Tony Palermo (drums) was a testament to their talent and the timeless appeal of their music.
As headlining act Shinedown prepared to take the stage, they greeted us with a cool mini intro video of their time while on tour during the past couple of years that showcased all the love and joy they’ve spread across the nation along their way to Denver. As the video came to an end, the two massive LED screens that projected the video split in two as the four band members Brent Smith (vocals), Zach Myers (guitar), Eric Bass (bass/piano), and Barry Kerch (drums) made their grand entrance. With a red carpet feeling, they marched down the tongue of the stage as they were greeted by a packed house chanting and screaming their names. We’ve posted the intro video below for you to check out as well.
Shinedown took the stage with an unparalleled enthusiasm that was infectious, immediately igniting a fire within the crowd as Kerch smashed the drums kicking off their set with the track “Diamond Eyes”. Their performance was a masterclass in rock showmanship, with every member of the band displaying a true passion for the craft. Smith insisted we all buckle as they have a night full of excitement, bouncing back and forth between their older and newer songs. Both anthems, that have stood the test of time alongside new material that breathed new life into the genre.
Smith’s voice was a force to be reckoned with, hitting high notes with ease and pouring raw emotion into every lyric. Followed by guitar/bass solos that were nothing short of legendary, showcasing how Rock’n Roll truly keeps you young. Production values of the concert were top-notch, as the show was actually filmed with cameras flying all over capturing the tour’s final night. Can’t wait to see what they come up with at the end… Definitely going to have to rewatch this one. I believe not one but two Guinness World Records were achieved during the show as Shinedown became the first band to officially have a flying piano during their set! Followed but an ungodly amount of Pyrotechnics that were shot off throughout their entire set. The combination of striking visuals and electrifying tunes created an immersive experience that had the entire crowd singing, dancing, and throwing their fists in the air. As they approached the end of the show, the band had a relatable moment with Papa Roach’s performances during “Scars”. They took a moment to gather everyone’s attention as they hosted a group sing-along to their famous cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”. I know these aren’t their main heavier songs… but man oh man, do they hit the heart. These types of songs can remind us all why we fell in love with this genre in the first place, the raw energy and unapologetic passion that can only be found in the world of rock. The band’s performance was a testament to their talent and dedication over their lengthy career. Delivering a high-energy, yet emotionally charged show that left no doubt they’re loved by so many and will go down in the history of Rock. Music is very much alive, and it’s thanks to performances like these that it’s flame continues to burn brightly.
Intro Video
Setlist
Shinedown – https://www.shinedown.com/
Diamond Eyes, Dead Don’t Die, I’ll Follow You, State, Devil, Unity, 45, Enemies, Sound of Madness, Symptom, Planet Zero, Second Chance, Daylight Mix into Get Up, Simple Man, Monsters, Cut The Cord
Papa Roach – https://paparoachmerch.com/
Hey Good Lookin’, Between Angels and Insects, Kill the Noise, Getting Away with Murder, Cut the Line, To Be Loved, California Love (cover), Firestarter, Leave a Light On, Scars, No Apologies, Born for Greatness, Help, Last Resort
Spiritbox – https://spiritbox.com/
Jaded, Hurt You, Yellowjacket, Rotoscope, The Void, Circle With Me, Holy Roller
